I have 2 recipes that I have made, both are better the next day and can be made ahead.
PASTA SALAD
1 (12 oz.) pkg. Rotini or Elbow Mac (I have used spaghetti and prefer it to the Rotini or Elbow)
3 stalks celery, chopped
1/2 sweet pepper, chopped
1/2 onion, chopped
1 (6 or 8 oz.) can black olives sliced (about 1 cup)
2 lbs. boiled seasoned shrimp, peeled and deveined*
1 (8 oz.) bottle Italian dressing
1 envelope original Ranch dressing
optional seasonings**
2 tomatoes, cut up (or grape or cherry tomatoes)
2 cucumbers, chopped
Cook the pasta, drain, and rinse well in cold water. Toss with shrimp, onions, pepper and celery.
Mix the Italian and Ranch dressing together and mix well. Pour over the pasta mix and season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until serving.
Just before you serve add the tomatoes and cucumbers.
*This can be made with other meats such as ham, chicken, etc.
**If you want this on the spicy side you can add Tony's etc. I usually add the spice to my shrimp.
I would suggest since you have a year, make this and see if it is a keeper and you may want to add more seafood, or change the dressings used. I prefer to use Ranch dressing. I usually use 1 pack of the dry mix, made by package directions and mix into the salad. |